Engine Fluid Heater With Induction Coil Around Heat Radiation Pipe

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fluid heating devices for engines experience high power consumption due to thermal conduction losses from the heat source to the fluid, leading to inefficient heat transfer.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an IH coil for inductive heating of the heat radiation pipe, which serves as the heat source, eliminating thermal conduction losses and enhancing heat transfer efficiency by directly conducting heat to the fluid, while also being supported by the heat radiation pipe to minimize vibrations and electric leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a heat radiation pipe is interposed between the heat source and the fluid, then the heat can be radiated to the fluid, but thermal conduction loss occurs and heat efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal conduction lossVSAvoidpower consumption of heat source
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional thermal conduction-based heating system with an electromagnetic induction heating system. The IH coil generates a magnetic field that directly induces eddy currents in the heat radiation pipe, converting electromagnetic energy into thermal energy without requiring thermal conduction through intermediate components. This substitution eliminates thermal conduction losses and reduces power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the phase transition of electromagnetic energy to thermal energy through electromagnetic induction. The IH coil generates a time-varying magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the conductive heat radiation pipe, transforming electromagnetic energy into thermal energy directly within the pipe walls, thereby heating the fluid efficiently without thermal conduction losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the IH coil is supported by the heat radiation pipe, then electric leakage is suppressed, but the coil may be affected by vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric leakageVSAvoidheating stability under vibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a holder as an intermediary component between the IH coil and the heat radiation pipe. The holder provides electrical insulation to prevent electric leakage from the coil to the pipe, while also mechanically supporting the coil in a fixed position relative to the pipe. This intermediary structure isolates the coil from vibrations of the pipe while maintaining electrical safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the support structure into distinct functional components: the holder that provides electrical insulation and positional support, and the heat radiation pipe that conducts heat. This segmentation allows the IH coil to be electrically isolated from the pipe while maintaining a stable spatial relationship, preventing both electric leakage and vibration-induced heating fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration reduces power consumption, suppresses fluctuations in induction heating, and enhances heating efficiency by ensuring direct and efficient heat transfer to the fluid, while allowing for compact and flexible arrangement of components.

Implementation Method 1

an IH coil (4) for inductively heating the heat radiation pipe (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

heat is directly conducted from the heat source to the fluid (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3196067B1Fluid heating device of engine
Publication Date: 2019.04.24 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP3196067B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP3196067B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3196067B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

There is provided a fluid heating device of an engine capable of reducing power consumption of a heat source required for heating a fluid. The fluid heating device of the engine which includes a heat radiation pipe 2 and is configured so that heat of the heat radiation pipe 2 is radiated to a fluid 3 passing through an inside of the heat radiation pipe 2 includes: an IH coil 4 for inductively heating the heat radiation pipe 2. A whole periphery of the heat radiation pipe 2 is surrounded by the IH coil 4. The IH coil 4 is supported by the heat radiation pipe 2. A holder 1 is included, and the IH coil 4 is supported by the heat radiation pipe 2 via the holder 1. The holder 1, to which the IH coil 4 is attached, is detachably supported by the heat radiation pipe 2.